Race and Publishing

For a post racial society, race still matters. More than we will ever admit. For the last week or so, Essence has been the subject for controversy for hiring for a white fashion director. Needless to say, black women are pissed and maybe rightfully so.

Time Warner has a 49% stock in Essence, so that already has black women nervous. A magazine that is dedicated to showing us in a positive light is now owned by a white company. Do these people know us or do they only know what they think we should be? Najwa Moses, a fashion media personality, recently spoke to Clutch magazine about the subject,“I can think of a few qualified Black women, and men too.My picks would be celebrity stylists Patti Wilson, June Ambrose, Kithe Brewster, Memsor Kamarake and Sydney Bolden.”Najwa also goes on to say that a white woman cannot show a black woman how to dress. Interesting.

Does this signal an end of an era or the beginning of post racial America? According to the comments about the hiring decision, I would have to go with the former. Maybe it is time to take these magazines of a pedestal and start deciding for ourselves who we are and what we plan to be. Essence is a business and they brought in the best person to advance their business. It's not personal, it's just a business decision.

Although I understand the negative feelings, I feel like we should give the woman a chance. She may be more talented than you think. I plan on hiring people of many races and ethnicities based on their talent. If I'm weighing a black writer and a white writer but the white writer is more qualified, then I'm going with the white writer. It's not about being a sellout or not supporting my people, it's about having the best brand possible.

http://http//clutchmagonline.com/lifeculture/feature/essence-hires-white-fashion-director-leaves-loyal-readers-asking-why/,